Solar Power Systems

• Why install a solar power system? The benefits of a solar power system are many and include:

1. Save money on your electricity bill immediately. You will save from reduced energy consumption and potentially also from the sale of excess solar power produced above your consumption.
2. Help minimise the impact of planned future electricity price rises.  The price of electricity WILL rise. It is not a question of IF, but rather, WHEN and BY HOW MUCH?
3. Increase the resale value and resalability of your home.
4. Reduce your carbon foot print and help make the world a cleaner greener place for our children.

• What does 'grid connected' mean? Grid connected means that the solar power system is connected to the 'electricity grid'. This allows for excess power produced by your solar power system to be sold back to the electricity supplier (such as Ergon).  Under current pricing arrangement with Ergon, you buy electricity at 18.8c per kwh but sell back you excess production at 44.4c per kwh.

• Are there rebates available for the installation of a solar power system? There are no 'rebates' per se. The sale of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) reduces the cost of the solar power system dramatically.  There is currently a 5 time RECs Multiplier incentive scheme for solar power systems up to 1.5 kW.  For specific details, call us!

LEDs

• What is a LED? A Light Emitting Diode (LED) contains a semi-conductor chip that emits visible light when a current passes through it. The semi-conductor is encased in an epoxy solution which is either clear or coloured.

• Advantages of LEDs? The advantages of LEDs include:

1. Versatile – LEDs can be used in various forms, in strips either flexible or rigid, singly or in clusters.

2. Extremely long life – quality LEDs are projected to produce a service life of 100,000 hours. This makes them ideal for use in difficult to reach and maintain locations.  You save on maintenance costs and enjoy the consistency of improved reliability.

3. Durable - the epoxy casing of the semi-conductor means the LEDs are extremely durable and shock proof.

4. Energy Efficient – LEDs use around 10% of the power conventional lights, to emit comparable amount of light.

5. Compact – LEDs are small in size and so can be used in many places where conventional lights would not fit.

6. Low heat generation – making them a very safe alternative, efficient (because very little energy is lost as heat) and makes them ideal for illuminating objects that are sensitive to UV light (such as works of art).

7. Any colour combination can be achieved, including white light. Colours can be transitioned at different speeds, from strobing effects to very slow subtle changes.

8. High reliability in difficult conditions.

• Where can LEDs be used? LEDs can be mounted on rigid or fexible tracks, or used in more conventional types of light fittings.
Around the home they are commonly used in downlights, uplights, garden lighting, pool lights, step lights, path lights etc.
LEDs are used increasingly in commercial signage and retail displays.
LEDs are used to create “mood" effects in bars and restaurants, with striking results.
Many traffic lights now use LEDs for their brightness, longevity and energy efficiency.

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Fibre Optic Lighting

• How does fibre optic lighting work? Light is emitted from a bulb, generally halogen or metal halide, contained in a metal enclosure.  Bundles of fibres, similar in appearance to fishing line,  are inserted into the enclosure and the light is passed down the length of the fibre.  Depending on the type of fibre, the light is emitted at the very tip of the fibres or along the full length.

• Where can they be used? Fibre optic lighting is extremely versatile.

Around the home fibre optic lighting is commonly used in to create ‘star scape’ effects in ceilings, ‘liquid water fall’ water features, garden lighting, pool lights, step lights, path lights etc.
Fibre optic lighting is used in commercial signage and retail displays and to create “mood" effects in retail centres, bars and restaurants.
Fibre optic lighting is suited for use in areas where electrical hazards exist (e.g: high voltage switch rooms, mines etc..) where other types of lighting would be unsafe or unsuitable.
Fibre optic lighting is used for illuminating objects that are sensitive to UV light (such as works of art)

• Can I install a star ceiling myself?  Absolutely! We can supply everything you need.

• Are they safe to use in ceilings with insulation? We choose to use Digilin fibres and light sources. Digilin light sources have won design awards and we believe they are the best and safest on the market. During installation it is essential to ensure that there is adequate air flow in the ceiling to avoid over-heating. 

• Are there cheaper star ceiling kits available on the internet? Light sources are the crucial element of fibre optic lighting. We have tested Digilins light sources against several other cheaper versions – simply there is no comparison. The old adage rings true – you get what you pay for….  If you are after stunning effects which people will talk about, Digilin is the answer.

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Customised effects and theme creation

• What ‘effects’ can you create? if you can think of it, we can make it happen. We sell projectors which create a water or fire effect on walls or ceilings for an impressive display. It is even possible to get your company logo or greeting message projected onto floors, walls or ceilings. Slumped acrylic can be used in almost any application to create the illusion of water or glass – this is particularly effective in bars or as a splash back in bathrooms. If you have an idea, no matter how ‘different’ bring it to us and we will create the solution to satisfy your needs.

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Home automation (BTicino and Clipsal C-Bus systems)

• What is home automation? Simply home automation allows you to remotely or automatically control things in and around the home.

• What can you control? Appliances, air conditioning, lighting – both indoor and outdoor, outdoor irrigation, home theatre, blinds and curtains, garage doors, sensor lighting etc... Almost every aspect of your home or business can be automated or controlled.

• Can it be done in any existing premises?  Absolutely!

• Why do it? What are the advantages?

1. The outstanding advantage of home automation is the sheer convenience and practicality it creates. Your home can be programmed so that the everyday things happen automatically without you having to give it a second thought.

2. Flexibility – if circumstances change, settings can be adapted to suit. Both the BTicino and Clipsal C-Bus can be expanded to add extra features as your needs change.

3. Electricity costs can be reduced by using timers, dimmers and lights that turn off when you leave the room.

4. Security – lights can be programmed to automatically turn on and off at given times. You can also turn every light in the house on or off with the touch of a button.

5.  Increased re-sale value of your home - home automation systems increase the resale value and sale-ability of your premises.  People want automation and will pay extra for a home that has it!

6. Fun factor – high tech products are fun to use and share with family and friends.

Central Ducted Vacuum Systems

• How do you measure the power of a ducted vacuum system?  Not all systems are the same... The cleaning power of the Volta and EBS motor units should  be measured in “Air Watts" which is a combination of Air Flow and Suction power. Many other brands refer to wattage/horse power which really only indicates the amount of electricity being consumed to operate the motor. Both airflow (litres of air moved per second) and water lift (strength of motor to lift water in a tube to a certain height) need to be good for a system to work satisfactorily. The combination is Suction Power and is termed Air Watts. 

·         • Why Volta and EBS brands?

1. Quiet operation– The Volta and EBS units are quieter than a conventional vacuum cleaner due to the positioning of the motor unit out of the living area. Units are fitted with an internal noise reduction kit to reduce motor noise and vibration.
2. Powerful motor units – The Volta and EBS units provide greater suction and air flow (measured in air-watts) compared to other brand systems.
3. Automatic dust pan – the ultimate convenience in hard floor areas.
4. Can be installed into an existing house.
5. Virtually no risk of blockages in the pipe work.
6. Outstanding design and construction – EBS units are powered by Bosch Siemens motors designed and built in Germany.  The Volta units are manufactured in USA.
7. DIY kits available - save money! 
   

Find out more about Volta ducted vacuum systems

Find out more about EBS ducted vacuum systems

Star Serve TV distribution system

• What can it do? Using Star Serve you can remotely control DVDs, pay TV and videos from any location in your home that is fitted with a control target. Star-Serve can also be used to distribute broadband connections to multiple rooms at the same time. Computers can be networked together for gaming and sharing printers and scanners etc.. Security cameras can be linked to televisions, so you can see who is at the door before you open it or monitor the kids in the back yard.

• Can it be used with Pay TV?  Absolutely!

• Can it be done in any existing house? Absolutely!

• Why do it? What are the advantages?

1. Sheer convenience and flexibility. You can watch a video, TV, DVD or pay TV from any number of rooms without the need for separate appliances.

2. Many computers can be networked to use the same printers and scanners reducing costly purchase and upkeep of separate machines.

3. With no cables hanging around there is less chance of tripping.

Data/comms cabling

• Can it be done in existing premises? Absolutely!

• What are the advantages? Networking computers is one of the most common uses for data/comms cabling, and it makes good sense. Many computers can share a single printer or scanner, reducing initial purchase cost and maintenance costs for maintaining multiple pieces of equipment. Many computers can access broadband internet using one broadband point, for a family this is invaluable...